In this week’s Solar News Roundup, Vermont utility Green Mountain Power plans to launch a blockchain-based energy marketplace, and U.S. lawmakers introduce a 100% clean energy bill.
Green Mountain Power set to launch a peer-to-peer energy trading marketplace
Green Mountain Power (GMP), a utility in Vermont, has been at the forefront of advanced utility energy policy for some time now – they’re about to experiment even further with futuristic grid infrastructure, this time in the form of a blockchain-based energy trading marketplace. The marketplace enables customers in GMP territory to purchase renewable energy credits (RECs) from generating customers in the region.
GMP believes that the program will cost close to nothing to implement; they also plan to take a 5% transaction fee from sellers of RECs on the platform. Already, GMP provides 90% carbon-free electricity; they hope that this new peer-to-peer marketplace will help in the push towards 100% carbon-free power.
Congress introduces a 100% clean energy by 2050 climate bill
This past week, Representative Don McEachin and over 150 cosigners in Congress introduced a bill designed to set the U.S. on the path towards 100% clean energy by 2050. Called the 100% Clean Economy Act of 2019, the bill would require federal agencies to create a plan to reduce emissions to net-zero by 2050. Additionally, the bill would give the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to oversee the entire effort.
“The need to act on climate has never been clearer: 2019 is on pace to be one of the hottest years ever recorded and every week brings another community damaged by extreme weather events fueled by climate change,” said Congressman McEachin. “That is why we must boldly transition to a 100% clean economy. The 100% Clean Economy Act of 2019 will protect public health and our environment; create high-quality green jobs that will strengthen our economy; and mitigate the impacts of climate change for all communities and all generations. Our climate crisis demands immediate action and this bill will ensure that our children and our children’s children will have healthier lives and a stronger, more sustainable economy.”
